Pahalgam (Jammu and Kashmir), May 1 (ANI): National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director General Sadanand Date, accompanied by senior officials from the agency and the Jammu and Kashmir Police, completed an on-site assessment of the recent terror attack in Baisaran, Pahalgam, and departed the region on Thursday.
The visit follows the NIA’s formal takeover of the investigation into the April 27 attack, which is believed to be the deadliest assault on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir in nearly two decades. The probe was handed over after the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Counter Terrorism and Counter Radicalisation (CTCR) division directed the agency to file a fresh FIR, citing the case’s gravity. The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy outfit of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility for the attack.
NIA officials had already visited the site shortly after the attack, assisting the local police. Now, with full control of the probe, the agency is expected to carry out a comprehensive investigation — including forensic evidence collection and suspect identification.
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies have identified 14 local operatives suspected of aiding Pakistani terrorist groups by providing logistical and ground-level support. These individuals are believed to be linked to three major terror outfits: Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The named individuals are Adil Rehman Dentoo (21), Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28), Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23), Haris Nazir (20), Aamir Nazir Wani (20), Yawar Ahmed Bhat, Asif Ahmed Khanday (24), Naseer Ahmed Wani (21), Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27), Aamir Ahmed Dar, Adnan Safi Dar, Zubair Ahmed Wani (39), Haroon Rashid Ganai (32), and Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29). These operatives are reportedly active in areas such as Anantnag and Pulwama districts, and their names form part of a broader intelligence dossier used by Indian security forces to preempt future attacks and dismantle terror logistics in the Kashmir Valley.
Security agencies have since ramped up coordinated operations across South Kashmir, with the goal of intercepting terror networks and enhancing public safety in the region.
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